The Inglis Easter yearling sale reached a seven-year high after three tremendous sessions at Newmarket this week.

Session 1 saw 350 yearlings change hands at an average of $291,743 and median of $200,000, all at a clearance rate of 83%.

The highest priced on Day 3 was achieved by a $1 million sister to Group 1 placed two-year-old Lake Geneva from the draft of Coolmore Stud (Lot 437).  She is by Fastnet Rock out of Stravinsky mare Hips Don’t Lie and was secured by Victorian trainer John Sadler.

Next best on the leader-board was the Redoute’s Choice filly from well-related Group 1 placed mare Fleur De’here (Lot 409).  Offered by Newgate Farm, she was secured by Angus Gold on behalf of Shadwell Stud for $920,000.

Shadwell Stud was the busiest individual buyer at Easter for the third consecutive year, purchasing 19 yearlings for $6.61 million.  The China Horse Club bought 21 horses with various partners for $9.12 million and Gai Waterhouse signed for 23 yearlings for $6.54 million in conjunction with different Australian and international buyers.

The leading sire by average and aggregate was Fastnet Rock, accumulating a total of $22.41 million for 47 yearlings at an average price of $476,809.

Coolmore Stud (26 sold for $9.64 million) was the top vendor by aggregate and Milburn Creek led the averages at $679,167.

“A lot goes into realising a champion but it’s thanks our skilful breeders and vendors that some are certainly born great,” Inglis managing director Mark Webster said.  “We are delighted that sale ring greatness was achieved here this week.

“The strength of the buying bench and the catalogue assembled has resulted in a Session I gross over $100 million and record results from the growing Session II.

Session II on Thursday didn’t disappoint setting new record average and gross since being introduced in 2009.  A total of 96 lots were sold at an average of $94,641, resulting in an aggregate of $9.08 million.

$1 million Fastnet Rock filly from Hips Don’t Lie